TexasCHLforum.com

jsenner wrote:

Keith B wrote:

sjfcontrol wrote:Keith -- wouldn't that make ALL new instructors qualified for the short class? Why even have the long one.

They are not scheduling an abbreviated course at present time. Don't know if they will in the future. The ones I have heard about will be 5 days; 4 days classroom (M-T) and Friday at range.

When I went through, the "short" class was still 5 days, it's just those that had existing instructor certs got to leave at 5 and those that didn't had to stay an extra couple hours each night to get generic "how to teach" training. that was my understanding of the "short" and "long" classes. is that what you're taking about sjfcontrol?

No, recently they had a 4 & 5 day class. The full class was 5 days and they taught you how to instruct on teh first day. The abbreviated class was only 4 days for those who were already certified instructors and they skipped the first day.

2firfun50 wrote:So does this mean I need to run out and take the NRA class before I can attend the class? It was my understanding at the time of my submission that I would need to take the long class as I indicated on the CHL-90. Am I just out $100 unless I can come up with a class and the money to pay/ammo to shoot? It is beginning to look like myself and probably others are just out of luck.

Have you received an email from them scheduleing a class date? If so, it should have stated the above in it. If not, then you probably have time to schedule an NRA pistol instructors class. It will be required before you can take the CHL instructors class. If you have other quesitons you will need to contact DPS; I am just passing along info that I have received and confirmed.

sjfcontrol wrote:Keith -- wouldn't that make ALL new instructors qualified for the short class? Why even have the long one.

They are not scheduling an abbreviated course at present time. Don't know if they will in the future. The ones I have heard about will be 5 days; 4 days classroom (M-T) and Friday at range.

I have gotten word back from DPS, and they ARE requiring anyone who attends new instructor classes to already be certified as a handgun instructor and provide proof of such before attending. It has been required per the statutes all along, but was not being enforced previously. Here is a portion of an email that is being sent to new applicants:

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In order to be considered for either (date) of these classes, you must submit additional documentation as proof that you hold a current firearm instructor certificate as per Government Code §411.190. The following items are acceptable:
• NRA certified firearm instructor - please submit a copy of certificate of training and a copy your unexpired NRA identification card.
• TCLEOSE firearm instructor - please submit a copy your TCLEOSE firearm instructor certificate. (Please note, that “basic instructor” is not sufficient.)
(clip)

And per the statues, it states handgun instructor, so if you are only an NRA rifle, shotgun or something other than pistol instructor then it will not be acceptable.

As for renewals, since the legislature is in session year there may be changes due to pending bills, so they do not know what may or may not be required at present until the 6 month time frame where they will start issuing the renewal certificates.

I am currently digging into this with some contacts I have. Hang loose as I hope to have a solid answer in a day or so.